Blog Archives - Page 3 of 8

May 7, 2020November 8, 2023

New Job, New You? Dr. Beam Explains How Plastic Surgery Helps Further Your Career

Over the past few years, plastic surgery numbers have been soaring higher than ever before. Cosmetic surgery techniques proven to be safer than in previous years and Americans are looking toward plastic surgery now more than ever. Let’s take a closer look at why.

Why Americans Consider Plastic Surgery

According to a report from RealSelf, in 2018 as many as one in every three American men and women were considering undergoing some sort of cosmetic treatment like Botox®, cosmetic dentistry or a tummy tuck within the next year. When asked why the answers were surprising.

1. Improve Self-Confidence

It’s no secret that the way we look affects the way we feel. According to the study done by RealSelf, 43 percent of people said their reason for undergoing a surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure was to give themselves a confidence boost. Self-esteem is actually one of the most common reasons why we have some patients coming into our practice, so it’s not surprising to see that the rest of America feels the same way.

2. Look Youthful for Work

Another 26 percent of Americans who polled they were interested in getting a surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure done within the next year said they had a desire to look more youthful at work or when starting their new job. While it may be surprising that a quarter of patients are hoping to look better for work, there’s actually a scientific reason that justifies this yearning.

Law of Attraction

Our appearance says a lot about who we are and what we do professionally. We tend to make a first impression with how we look, which is why our patients are so eager to put their best face forward. If you feel this way, you’re not being paranoid. A recent study done by John Hopkins University found that people with successful nose jobs appear more successful, attractive and healthier to others than they did before they got work done. Other studies have proven that obese candidates are less likely to be hired or promoted at work than their “normal” counterparts. In a society driven by the law of attraction, it’s no wonder patients feel more and more pressure to look a certain way to get ahead in their careers.

Is Plastic Surgery Right for Me?

At the end of the day, the choice to undergo a cosmetic procedure is ultimately up to you and your wishes. No matter what the reason is, if you decide plastic surgery is the best option for you, we encourage you to explore that option. We ensure that Dr. Beam will be there with you every step of the way, listening to your concerns and developing a completely personalized treatment plan that best suits your budget, lifestyle and aesthetic goals.

Call us today to learn more about whether you’re a good candidate for plastic surgery.

April 21, 2020November 8, 2023

The Guys’ Guide to Gynecomastia

You look in the mirror and what do you see? Chiseled abs? Maybe. Big biceps and toned calves? Perhaps. Slightly large, buffy breasts? You’re not alone. Enlarged breasts are common in men going through puberty and older men but is not often talked about. Here’s what you need to know about gynecomastia and what you can do to fix it.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition in which men have enlarged breast glands and tissue. According to a study done in 2019, up to 65 percent of men in the U.S. struggle with gynecomastia. Enlarged male breasts, popularized by the term “man boobs” affect most men while they are going through puberty, and can sometimes resolve on its own. While gynecomastia is not painful or physically bothersome, it can negatively impact self-esteem and general happiness.

Gynecomastia Causes

There are many different factors that can cause gynecomastia, including:

Hormones wreak havoc on the body during puberty and are the most common cause of gynecomastia. While gynecomastia caused by excess hormones may resolve on its own, it’s likely to carry on through adulthood.
Weight gain. When you gain an excessive amount of weight, it puts a toll on your body. Because there are fat cells located in the breasts, the breasts get larger with the more weight you gain.
The body is a delicate system, and adding chemicals to balance one condition can often imbalance another, resulting in side effects. Check your medication and talk to your doctor to see if gynecomastia is a side effect.
Steroid use. Using steroids adds hormones to the body that we’re not used to. Similar to when you go through puberty, an influx of hormones can trigger unwanted side effects including enlarged breasts.
Drug use. Studies have shown a correlation between smoking marijuana and excessive ingestion of alcohol and the onset of gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia Treatment

It’s a common misconception that you can fix “man boobs” at the gym. While strengthening the muscles in your chest is beneficial, sometimes the “fatty tissue” we see causing the enlarged breast is actually enlarged breast glands. These enlarged glands can only be treated with surgery. During gynecomastia surgery, a small incision is made into the chest near the armpit. Through this incision, excess fat is eliminated with liposuction and enlarged breast glands are removed. The surgery is a safe and simple solution to your puffy chest.

Is Gynecomastia Surgery Expensive?

The cost of your gynecomastia surgery is going to depend on the condition of your chest prior to treatment. To learn more about the cost of your gynecomastia surgery, talk to Dr. Beam during your consultation. We also offer financing options to make your procedure as affordable as possible.

If you are interested in learning more about getting rid of your gynecomastia once and for all, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam.

April 9, 2020November 8, 2023

Can a Breast Lift be Done Without Implants?

A woman’s breasts are an important part of her physique. A mastopexy, or breast lift, won’t just lift your breasts, it’ll also lift your spirits. There’s a common belief that you must get breast implants when you get a breast lift, but is that really true? Let’s go over the differences between a breast lift and breast augmentation to clear up the muddy waters.

What is a Breast Lift?

A mastopexy, or breast lift, is a procedure in which excess skin is removed from the breasts and the breasts are placed at a higher position on the chest. This surgery does not add volume to the breasts but does add to the shape and position of the breasts.

Benefits of a breast lift include:

Perkier and shapelier breasts
Breasts sitting higher on the chest
Nipples facing outward on the center of the chest

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a procedure in which breast implants are introduced into the chest to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Unlike a breast lift, breast augmentation does not have to do with the position of the breasts on the chest. Making the breasts larger may give the appearance of a perkier chest, but in reality, no skin has been removed to cause this result.

Benefits of breast augmentation include:

Breast implants add volume to the breasts
The illusion of the breasts sitting higher on the chest
Shapelier breasts

Can a Breast Lift be Done Without Breast Implants?

In short, absolutely! The breast lift and breast augmentation are two separate procedures for a reason. A breast lift can be done without the use of implants to enlarge the breasts for patients who are just looking for a perkier chest. A breast augmentation can be done without a breast lift for patients who are just looking to add to the size of their breasts, and not the position.

Some people feel getting a breast lift without augmentation is like having peanut butter without chocolate – they’re both good on their own, but they’re better together. While these two procedures are separate, the breast lift and breast augmentation do go hand-in-hand and work together to give you the perfect breasts. When you receive a breast lift, you may lose slight volume in your chest, which can be supplemented with a breast implant. This is why many of our patients feel it is necessary to have a breast lift and breast augmentation done at the same time.

Are you interested in learning more about your breast enhancement options? Call us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Beam today. He’ll talk to you about your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you reach your cosmetic goals.

March 26, 2020November 8, 2023

How to Get Rid of Loose Skin

They say losing weight is the hardest part of the journey, but many of our patients reveal dealing with their loose skin after their massive weight loss is just as, if not more, difficult for them. Patients who have undergone an extreme weight loss are often left with an excess of skin that just won’t spring back. Harold E. Beam Plastic Surgery offers three body sculpting procedures we recommend for patients who just want to get rid of that excess skin.

Loose Skin after Weight Loss

It’s no secret that the process of losing weight involves more than just eating healthy and exercising regularly. Losing a large amount of weight can be an emotional process for many individuals, and being left with excess skin is often seen as a constant reminder of the weight they used to be. In addition to being an emotional burden, excess skin can be a physical burden, sometimes weighing as much as 30 or more pounds on its own that the patient has to carry around with them wherever they go.

What You Can Do About Your Loose Skin

Unfortunately, there is no home-remedy that can fix your excess loose skin, and minimally invasive skin tightening treatments can only go so far when the skin has been stretched for years on-end. We recommend considering the following procedures to help you get rid of your excess skin.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the abdominal area. Popular with women whose skin has stretched beyond repair during pregnancy, the tummy tuck is a safe solution to get the flat tummy you’ve worked hard for. The procedure involves an incision from hip to hip that allows Dr. Beam to tighten loose abdominal muscles in your core, stretch the skin tight over the abdomen and remove any excess skin from the area.

Arm Lift

Also known as a brachioplasty, an arm lift is similar to a tummy tuck but focuses on the excess skin around the upper arm. This procedure gets rid of the dreaded “bat wing” that we all hate to admit we have. During an arm lift, an incision will be made on the inner arm or the back of the arm, usually from elbow to armpit. The underlying tissue of the arm is then tightened and reshaped, and the excess skin in the area is removed. Some patients may also receive mild liposuction in the area to get rid of any excess unwanted fat. After your brachioplasty, you’ll have the sleek, toned arms you’ve worked hard for.

Thigh Lift

Like the tummy tuck and arm lift, the thigh lift is the last way to remove excess skin from your body. While the placement of your incision will depend on the severity of your condition prior to surgery, most incisions are made from the groin down to the inner portion of your leg. Dr. Beam then tightens and reshapes the underlying tissues before removing the excess skin, revealing newly contoured thighs.

If you are interested in learning more about getting rid of your excess skin with body sculpting procedures, call us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Beam.

March 10, 2020November 8, 2023

Botox® vs. #NEWTOX

Botox® is the standard when it comes to wrinkle treatment. But, we all secretly have the same question in our minds: Is there anything else better than Botox®? Some say #NEWTOX is a strong contender. #NEWTOX, also known as Jeuveau™ is the newest product in the line of wrinkle blockers on the market. But, is it better than Botox®?

What is Botox®?

Botox® has become a household name for being a widely used wrinkle blocker among celebrities. The injectable treatment is composed of a clear gel made with the active ingredient, botulinum toxin. When injected into the muscles of the treated area, the botulinum toxin temporarily freezes the muscle causing the wrinkles in the skin to relax and improve in appearance. Botox® is most used to treat frown lines and deep wrinkles across the forehead and between the brows.

What is #NEWTOX?

Jeuveau™, known popularly around social media and online as #NEWTOX, is the latest and so-called greatest in wrinkle blocking injectable treatments. Similarly to Botox®, Jeuveau™ is also a clear gel made with the same active ingredient, botulinum toxin. Because the active ingredient in both products is the same, the effects of Jeuveau™ are very similar to Botox® as well. When injected into the treated area, Jeuveau™ temporarily freezes the muscle, relaxes wrinkles and prevents further wrinkles from appearing. Like Botox®, Jeuveau™ can be used to treat frown lines across the forehead and between the brows.

Does Jeuveau™ Last Longer than Botox®?

In short, no. Remember, both Botox® and #NEWTOX are made from the same active ingredient. Because they are both made using botulinum toxin, their results take effect and last for similar lengths of time. Whether you are treated with Botox® or Jeuveau™, it’s likely you will have to wait 24-48 hours to see results from your treatment. The effects of both Botox® and Jeuveau™ last for about four to six months at a time. We recommend following up with us every four months to maintain your results.

Is Jeuveau™ Better than Botox?

Realistically, the answer to this question is all up to preference. The biggest differences between Botox® and Jeuveau™ are how they are formulated and how they are manufactured in their facilities. Both products use the same active ingredient and perform in a similar fashion. We recommend giving #NEWTOX a try if you had a bad experience with Botox® in the past or are looking to try a new wrinkle blocker. If you’re still unsure which injectable is right for you, ask Dr. Beam or his nurse practitioners in your one-on-one consultation. They will weigh out each pro and con, and make sure you make the best decision for your skin.

If you’re interested in learning more about Botox® or Jeuveau™, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam or one of his nurse practitioners.

February 20, 2020November 8, 2023

Your Ultimate Guide to the Mommy Makeover

Excess skin and sagging breasts will never be a look that makes us feel confident. Whether having children has taken a toll on your body or you’ve just finished your dramatic weight loss journey, your body doesn’t look the way you thought it would at this point. Let the mommy makeover help you get the body you want and deserve.

What is Included in a Mommy Makeover?

The mommy makeover is a combination of body rejuvenation procedures to help patients get the overall body they desire. This includes procedures to tighten the tummy, perk up the chest and rejuvenate more intimate areas. Popular procedures included in a mommy makeover include:

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Mommy Makeover?

Because a mommy makeover involves a combination of procedures being done at one time, it can take up to two to three months to fully recover from your surgeries. While only the first two weeks or so requires you to be on bed rest, you will not be able to lift more than 25 pounds for the first several weeks following your surgery. During your recovery, we recommend that you recruit a buddy to help you with your everyday activities. This buddy should be a close friend, family member or significant other, as they will most likely have to help you with the bathroom and preparing food.

How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?

The cost of your mommy makeover is going to vary widely depending on the type and number of procedures you choose to get to achieve your desired results. The best way to find out the cost of your procedure is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Beam. He’ll sit down with you, listen to your concerns and develop a fully customized treatment plan to help you get the body you’ve been dreaming of. Dr. Beam also has financing options and monthly specials to make your treatments as affordable as possible.

What to Consider Before Your Mommy Makeover

While the mommy makeover may seem like the ultimate solution to your body’s needs, there are still a few things you need to keep in mind before having your surgery.

You still need to be at a healthy weight. The mommy makeover can help you look more slim and trim, but it can’t do all the weight loss for you. We recommend being within 25 pounds of your weight goal going in.
You’ll need to budget accordingly. While specials and financing options are available, the mommy makeover is still multiple procedures being done at once. Make sure to talk to Dr. Beam about your budget before committing.
You should ideally be done having children. Yes, it is safe to get pregnant after your mommy makeover, but another pregnancy can reverse the results of your procedure. We recommend you get a mommy makeover when you stop having kids to maintain your results.

Are you interested in learning more about how you can benefit from a mommy makeover? Contact our office today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Beam.

February 6, 2020November 8, 2023

Can Weight Loss Affect My Breast Augmentation?

We all want to be the very best versions of ourselves. Whether that means going to the gym a few extra times a month, or getting a little help from Dr. Beam, we are all trying to improve upon ourselves. However, sometimes these changes coincide. Today, we’re going to talk about what can happen if you lose a significant amount of weight after your breast augmentation.

What You Should Know Before Getting Breast Implants

Before going through with your breast augmentation, there are a few things you should consider. When getting a breast augmentation, it’s always important to note that the body will change as your hormones and age changes. Our breasts can get bigger at special times of the month or during pregnancy, and tend to slope south as we age. While breast augmentation can help with the fullness and volume of your breasts, it cannot stop the body’s natural processes. It’s best you talk to your doctor about your expectations during your consultation.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

There are many benefits to getting a breast augmentation done at Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery, including:

Adding size and volume to the size of your breasts.
Correcting uneven breast sizes and placement on the chest.
Improving overall self-image and self-confidence.

While these benefits may seem obvious, these are important factors to keep in mind when considering breast augmentation.

Will Losing Weight Affect the Placement of my Breast Implants?

In short, losing a significant amount of weight may end up affecting the size, shape, and placement of your breasts after a breast augmentation. Just like if you were to forego the surgery, the size and shape of your breasts are dependent on your overall body weight. When we lose weight, our skin has a hard time bouncing back to its original position. This can affect the position and shape of your breasts, even after a breast enhancement surgery. If you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, we recommend holding off on your breast augmentation.

What is the Ideal Weight for Breast Augmentation?

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. When considering breast augmentation, you should be within 10 pounds of your ideal weight, either above or below. These 10-pound fluctuations won’t affect the size, placement and shape of your breasts. If you plan on losing more than 20 pounds in the near future, we recommend holding off on the surgery until you hit your goal weight. If you’re unsure if the procedure is right for you at this time, talk to your doctor during your breast augmentation consultation.

If you are considering breast augmentation, but are unsure if you’re at the right stage in your life for it, contact our office today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Beam. He’ll sit down with you, listen to your concerns help you determine a personalized treatment plan.

January 23, 2020November 8, 2023

CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: Which is Better for Me?

Losing fat is never an easy feat. You can spend every day at the gym and still not see the results you’re looking for. That’s where body contouring steps in. These days, there are so many body contouring procedures on the market it’s hard to choose what is best for you. Today we’re going to compare two popular forms of body contouring, CoolSculpting®, and liposuction, to see which option is best for you and your lifestyle.

What is CoolSculpting®?

CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical body contouring procedure that uses fat-freezing technology to help you get rid of stubborn pockets of fat. The CoolSculpting® device works by freezing your fat in a process called cryolipolysis, in which the targeted fat cells are frozen and naturally eliminated through the body. Because CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive procedure, you won’t have to worry about anesthesia, cutting or scars during your treatment. Simply come in, cool down and relax for a quick treatment that gives you the results you want over time. While it may take multiple treatments to get the results you desire, the results of CoolSculpting® have the potential to be long-lasting with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

What are the Benefits of CoolSculpting®?

There are many benefits to getting CoolSculpting® treatments done at Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery, including:

Non-invasive
FDA-approved
Quick treatments done in less than an hour
Up to 25% reduction in fat
No downtime or recovery period
No anesthesia, cutting or scars

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is arguably the most popular body contouring procedure out there. Having become a household name, liposuction has gotten its notoriety for good reason. Liposuction works by doctors using a long, hollow, vacuum-powered needle called a cannula to gently remove any unwanted fat from the body. This treatment is considered surgery and often requires anesthesia to aid in any pain or discomfort you may feel during your treatment. After liposuction, you will have to wear compression garments for the following weeks to ensure your new form takes shape and stays tight. You will experience some swelling and bruising for the next few weeks as well. Unlike CoolSculpting®, you’ll be able to see the results of liposuction almost immediately and usually don’t need more than one treatment.

What are the Benefits of Liposuction?

The benefits of getting liposuction done at Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery include:

FDA-approved
Minimal scarring
Quick recovery period
Immediate results
No need for more than one treatment

So, Is CoolSculpting® or Liposuction Better for Me?

The answer to this question really relies on what you expect from your body contouring procedure. If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to lose your fat and don’t mind it taking some time, then CoolSculpting® may be your best choice. If you are interested in a more one-and-done procedure that eliminates all of your excess fat in one go and don’t mind the idea of anesthesia and cutting, then liposuction may be right for you. The best way to make your decision is by talking to Dr. Beam during your consultation. He’ll sit down with you, listen to your concerns and come up with a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.

If you’re interested in learning more about body contouring procedures like CoolSculpting® and liposuction, call our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam. He’ll make sure you leave with all of your questions answered.

January 9, 2020November 8, 2023

Don’t Sweat It with miraDry®

Excessive sweating is an embarrassing problem to have. In the past, there have been temporary, inconvenient solutions to hyperhidrosis. Thankfully for miraDry®, there’s a less invasive and more permanent treatment to solve your sweating. Here’s what you need to know about miraDry®.

Is There a Cure for Hyperhidrosis?

While there is no cure for hyperhidrosis, there is a permanent solution to reduce your excessive sweating. Just one miraDry® treatment has been clinically proven to decrease sweating by an average of 82 percent. miraDry® gets this result by eliminating sweat glands in the underarm. When these sweat glands are destroyed, they don’t grow back, so your results will be permanent. While many patients only need one miraDry® treatment to see results, check with your doctor for a personalized treatment plan.

How Does miraDry® Work?

miraDry® uses thermal energy to target and reduce the sweat and odor gland in your underarms. Before your treatment begins, Dr. Beam will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. This will eliminate any discomfort you may feel during your treatment. The miraDry device is then placed directly on the skin. You will feel a gentle suction as the sweat glands are moved closer to the miraDry device, and warm thermal energy is emitted to destroy the sweat and odor glands. Once the glands are eliminated, they do not grow back, leaving you with permanent results.

Does miraDry® Stop Odor?

Yes, miraDry® does reduce odor caused by excessive sweating. A clinical study has proven miraDry® can reduce up to 89 percent of body odor. Body odor is eliminated during the treatment when the odor glands in the underarms are destroyed by the thermal energy emitted by the miraDry® handheld device.

Is miraDry® Permanent?

Yes, the effects of miraDry® are permanent. Once the sweat and odor glands are eliminated from the treatment area, they do not grow back. Because only about 2 percent of our sweat glands lie in our underarms, the elimination of these sweat glands is completely safe. The best part about your miraDry® treatment? Most patients only need one treatment to see their desired results!

How Much Does miraDry® Cost?

The cost of your miraDry® treatment is going to depend on the severity of your hyperhidrosis condition and the experience of your doctor. At Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery, Dr. Beam will go over the details of your personalized treatment plan, including the cost, at the time of your one-on-one consultation. He also offers financing options and monthly specials to help you get the most bang for your buck.

If you have hyperhidrosis and are considering miraDry® treatment, call our office today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Beam.

December 26, 2019November 8, 2023

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift Surgery in Glastonbury, CT

Our breast size and shape can say a lot about us, which is why it’s so important that we have the silhouette we feel represents us the most. There’s always one question that hangs over our heads when considering plastic surgery to help us get the body we deserve: Do we go with a breast lift or a breast augmentation? The answer can be broken down with a little information about the two.

Breast Augmentation 101

When considering breast surgery, we often automatically think of breast augmentation and making the breasts bigger. This is a great option for women who are unsatisfied with the natural size of their breasts and are looking for something a little more robust. There are a few things to consider when getting an augmentation.

Implant Size and Shape

There are multiple factors to think of when choosing the size of the breasts you want, including your natural frame and your current lifestyle. Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Harold E. Beam will be able to sit down with you during your one-on-one consultation to talk about the size and shape implant that will look the most natural.

Implant Material

There are two types of materials breast implants are made out of – silicone and saline. Silicone implants, which are most popular, tend to be more expensive but also have a more natural and realistic feel to them. Saline implants work well with patients who naturally have a lot of breast tissue, as it can add volume and shape without necessarily changing the way the breast feels.

Breast Lift 101

After reading about the breast augmentation, you may be a little torn. You want your breasts to look perkier, but you don’t necessarily want to them to be bigger. The breast lift may be the best option for you.

Types of Lifts

There are many different breast lift procedures that can be done depending on the size and condition of your breasts. A small amount of sagging may call for a small incision to be made around the areola, while more severe sagging may call for an incision to be made down the front of the breast and in the breast crease. Dr. Beam will go over the extent of your procedure and the incisions required to make sure you’re satisfied with the results of your breast lift during your one-on-one consultation.

The Power of Two

If you’re unsatisfied with both the size and position of your breast, look no further than combining the procedures together. It is common for women to combine a breast lift and augmentation to give themselves their desired aesthetic results of more voluminous, perky breasts.

Ultimately, the procedure or combination of procedures you choose to be right for you depends on whether or not you’re looking for a lift or more volume to your breasts. If you are interested in learning more about breast lift and breast augmentation procedures, contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam today.

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